His latest was in Game 1 of the Bruins' Eastern Conference semifinals. Boychuk absorbed a hard hit from New York Rangers winger Taylor Pyatt in the corner of the Bruins' zone. He laid facedown on the ice for several seconds, but was OK as he returned shortly.

Pyatt was assessed for boarding.

Heading into Game 2 Sunday at TD Garden, Boychuk said that he feels good after a few days off and credited the team's trainers.

"There's a couple of bumps and bruises just like the regular playoffs, but you know having a couple days off, it helps," Boychuk said. "Our trainers do a great job, they always do the right things. It's not too hard when you know you're getting good care."

Already down three defensemen in Dennis Seidenberg (lower-body), Andrew Ference (lower-body) and Wade Redden (undisclosed) the Bruins cannot afford to lose anyone else. But Boychuk urged it doesn't mean his game should be altered in fear getting hurt.

"No, you can't because you know as soon as you do that, then bad things will happen," he said. "You got to go out there and play your game. There's always going to be bumps and bruises along the way, that's part of the game and you have to battle through it."

The trio of rookies filling in for the veterans; Dougie Hamilton, Matt Bartkowski and Torey Krug have given the defensive corps a huge lift. Not knowing exactly what to expect from them, they could end up being keys to the series.

Bartkowski played heavy minutes in Game 1 logging 26:41, which was the third highest on the team.

Captain Zdeno Chara (38:02) and Boychuk 26:55 were first and second, respectively.

Krug scored a power-play goal to tie the game at 2. Hamilton picked up the assist along with left winger Brad Marchand.

The defensive combinations consisted of Chara and Hamilton, Bartkowski with Boychuk and Krug and Adam McQuaid.